APACC On-site Visit Team with Ubon Ratchathani Vocational College Faculty and Staff

Another college supervised by Thailand's Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC) affirmed its commitment to continual improvement through quality assurance as the Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC) went to the northeastern region of Thailand for a three-day on-site visit to Ubon Ratchathani Vocational College (UVC) on September 17 - 19, 2018.

The APACC on-site visit team for UVC had Pn. Noor Aidi Nadzri, National Coordinator for Accreditation (NCA) for Malaysia and Director for Curriculum Development Division of the Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education (DPCCE), Ministry of Education, Malaysia as the Team Leader, along with Dr. Renato Sorolla, President of Carlos Hilado Memorial State College, Philippines and Mr. Bryan Noel Lazaro, APACC Support Staff.

The opening program was graced by Mr. Kirkchai Phongpawe, Provincial Permanent Secretary representing the Ubon Ratchathani Governor and Mr. Likit Phonlao, Director of Institute of Vocational Education Northeastern Region 4, who came on behalf of OVEC Secretary General with their welcome remarks. Mr. Thawatchai Punnikul, Director of UVC, followed with his opening remarks. Mr. Punnikul gave a brief story about the college’s APACC journey, which began a couple of years back during the translation of the instrument from English to Thai.

The journey and profile of UVC were further presented through video and slide presentations. APACC accreditors were also given the opportunity to address UVC with their special remarks. Both of them emphasized that APACC accreditation is a journey towards continual improvement - a learning experience that is shared through a collective effort from all members of the college.

Tour of Facilities

Tour of the facilities, presentation of documentary evidences and interviews with key personnel for each criterion followed right after and continued in the succeeding days of the visit.

Presentation of documentary evidence and interviews

UVC started its operations on January 16, 1937. After 80 years, the college is now occupying approximately 7.11 acres of land in Nai Mueang Sub-district of Ubon Ratchathani. It is known for offering Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor's programs in Accounting and other TVET programs in Fine Arts, Home Economics, Hospitality and Tourism, and Business Computer.

Ubon Ratchathani Vocational College Campus Facade

During the exit meeting, Pn. Noor Aidi reported UVC's best practices in the form of commendations and addressed the college's areas for improvement with APACC's recommendations. Dr. Sorolla also added inspirational remarks to motivate UVC to continue pursuing quality service for its stakeholders.